Justin Vanduren pointed to items on the glossy, new Red Robin menu.
“I always get the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken or the Whiskey River BBQ Burger,” said the 34-year-old law enforcement worker.
“I’m definitely excited.”
Vanduren was one of more than 100 people who attended the grand opening of Red Robin, a chain restaurant known for its gourmet burgers, in the Oaks Mall at 6419 Newberry Road, Monday.
After a soft opening and sneakpeeks throughout last week, the restaurant is the first and only Red Robin in Gainesville.
“We saw the signs outside, and we stopped by a few times, but they were always in training or under construction,” Vanduren said.
“I talked about Red Robin all the time, and now they’re finally here.”
Andy Somers, the new restaurant opening director, said that after the last week of anticipation, he couldn’t be more pleased with all the customer reactions.
“We’ve been full since we opened the doors at 11 a.m.,” he said.
He added, “It certainly excites us that the community has received us so well.”
Raul Amill, Red Robin regional operations director, said all of the positive feedback has given the restaurant an encouraging start.
“I’d say our culture itself is different than other restaurants,” he said. “Some people are from Gainesville, they grew up here, and this is their first exposure to us.”
For customers like Christy Ealy, who had seen the commercials but never visited a Red Robin, the new Gainesville location is a welcome addition.
“I’d see the commercials and hear the jingle all the time and wonder, ‘What is this?’” the 39-year-old Gainesville nurse said.
“Now I can see for myself.”
Red Robin, in the Oaks Mall at 6419 Newberry Road, had its grand opening Monday morning. More than 100 people attended.
